YMCA continues to promote gymnastics

March 21, 2012

The Ridgway YMCA has been a promoter of recreational gymnastics for over 17 years and despite being a small program, they "get results."
"Our facility isn't large enough to offer a competition gymnastics program but we are able to offer a recreational program that focuses mainly on tumbling," said Mary Lynne Bellotti, executive director at the Ridgway YMCA.
Bellotti has been teaching the program for at least 17 years.
"I take pride in the direction that it has taken our kids," Bellotti said. "We teach gymnastics to girls and boys ages 3 to 14 focusing on coordination and basic gymnastics skill.
"What makes us different from other clubs is that we focus on form and technique and it truly pays off in the end."
Three of the facility's one-time YMCA gymnasts have taken first in the state level in the Bronze Division: Brandi Bellotti, Jenna Kielbowick, and the newest being Mackenzie Neureiter.
Neureiter said she enjoyed being part of the program as she was growing up.
"I first started off in the land and sea program, itâ€™s where I learned to swim and then continued on to just all gymnastics, and I now get to teach the sport that I enjoy so much," Neureiter said.
The Ridgway YMCA once again will be hosting a â€śHealthy Kids Dayâ€ť on April 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The facility's recreational gymnasts will be honored at that time.